In July 1999, a jury in D.C. Superior Court recently awarded $280,000.00 in damages to three women represented by MWELA attorneys, after a two week trial before Judge Rafael Diaz. The jury concluded that Dr. Robert S. Beale, a bariatric (diet) physician with offices in the District, sexually harassed all three plaintiffs, retaliated against two of them, and that his conduct was willful and malicious. Plaintiff Laura Merriex, who was terminated after protesting the harassment, was awarded $90,000.00 in compensatory damages. The other plaintiffs were awarded $70,000.00 and $45,000.00 in compensatory damages. Each plaintiff was also awarded $25,000.00 in punitive damages. The Defendant was represented by Williams & Connolly. In December 1999, after the trial judge denied defendant's motions to reverse the verdict, the judgment against Dr. Beale became final. Judge Diaz has subsequently awarded attorneys' fees and costs to the plaintiffs and their lawyers. Neil Henrichsen, now of Henrichsen Siegel, and Leizer Goldsmith, of The Goldsmith Law Firm, represented Plaintiff Laura Merriex.